British Columbia

Infant's body found in B.C. landfill

RCMP in Richmond, B.C., have arrested a woman after finding a baby's body in a landfill south of Vancouver.

RCMP in Richmond, B.C., have arrested a woman after finding a baby's body in a landfill south of Vancouver.

The 20-year-old woman gave birth to the baby boy on Jan. 31 in the bathroom of her boyfriend's Richmond home, RCMP Cpl. Jennifer Pound said on Monday morning.

The boyfriend, who was sleeping at the time, apparently didn't know the woman had been pregnant, said Pound.

The woman woke her boyfriend and convinced him she had a miscarriage. With his help, she then wrapped the baby in a towel, put him in a garbage bag and discarded the bag in a nearby school dumpster, alleged Pound.

Acting on a tip, about 35 officers spent three days searching through the Burns Bog landfill before recovering the body of what appeared to be a full term infant.

Police said an autopsy will determine how and when the infant died.

The woman, whose identity has not yet been released, was arrested and let go on a promise to appear. Police have recommended to the Crown that she be charged with:

  • Neglect to obtain assistance at childbirth.
  • Concealing the body of child. 
  • Infanticide. 
  • Indignity to dead body.

The boyfriend, who has not been identified by police, could also face charges in the incident, said Pound.